And rather than attempting to conceal her curves, the image celebrates the 5ft 9in, size 14 model's full-figured thighs, placing them front and center.

Beautiful at any size: French-Canadian model Justine Legault, 26, has been chosen as the cover girl for this month's Elle Quebec Magazine. At five-foot-nine and a U.S. size 14, she fully embraces her womanly curves

With her blonde locks, soft features and green eyes, Miss Legault, who has done fashion campaigns for Nordstrom, Macy's and Avenue, to name a few, exudes timeless beauty.

In the interview with the magazine, the French-speaking model - whose dream was once working behind the camera - explains that she was discovered by chance at the age of 20 by an agency looking for a plus-size girl.

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And after her career began to take
off, Miss Legault moved from Quebec to New York, where she now lives and
is represented by Muse NYC.

'My beauty regime is similar to other models, except that I love a good meal!'

'My beauty regime is similar to that of other models,' she explains, noting that her job means she has to take care of her skin and maintain her figure.

'Except that I love a good meal and I eat very well!' she adds.

The reactions to Miss Legault's cover
and spread have overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising her for embracing her womanly curves, as well as applauding the magazine's decision to choose her.

One supporter wrote on the magazine's website: 'So nice to see the cover of Elle Quebec take on a new shape. Bravo.'

Real woman: 'My beauty regime is similar to that of other models,' Miss Legault explains, noting that she, too, has to take care of her skin and maintain her figure. 'Except that I love a good meal and I eat very well!'

Another said: 'Bravo Elle Quebec for the May issue! I received it yesterday and as soon as I laid eyes on the cover, I said to myself, "Finally! A plus-size model." It's great to see the 'real world' sometimes.'

And while some may criticize her or judge her solely on her appearance, Miss Legault says it doesn't faze her.

'How many times have people told me during an audition: "I don't like your hair, I don't like your teeth…?"' she says.

'I didn't listen to those people and I continued to have confidence in myself. I prefer to remember compliments from people who like me how I am, and believe in me.'